Tag ‘EC Theatre’
“An Invitation to ‘Yukiai–Kiyohime'” by Chieko Kojima
Earth Celebration 2015 EC Theatre
Chieko Kojima’s “Yukiai–Kiyohime”
On August 23, the third day of EC 2015, I cordially invite you to join me for EC Theatre event, “Yukiai–Kiyohime.” This year we published a Kiyohime photobook and I am also working on a DVD. I look forward to sharing the world of Kiyohime with more people around the world.
First, allow me to introduce the original cast members: Shunsuke Kimura (fue [flute], shamisen [Japanese banjo]), Shingo Ikegami (koto [harp]), Hiromi Nishida (violin), and Ayuko Ikeda (percussion).
At EC, we will have a special cast that features Park Soon-A playing a Korean harp, the gayaguem. I look forward to portraying Kiyohime in another realm of sound.
But wait, there’s more! On Day 2, there will be an Iwami Kagura performance on the Fringe Stage and one of the members, Taizo Kobayashi, will join me for EC Theatre to perform a serpent dance. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to have this cast together. Don’t miss it!
The other day I visited Mr. Kobayashi at his workshop. We had a meeting about EC Theatre and rehearsed together. Our preparation is going really well!
I will perform my signature piece, Hana Hachijo, at the climax of the production.
I hope you will come along to see my unique portrayal of Kiyohime from the Tales of Dojoji.
Kiyohime Synopsis
A young girl played in the fields all day long
Chasing after flowers and frolicking butterflies with a pure heart Her name was Kiyohime
She fell in love with him at first sight
It was in the early days of summer when dew sparkled on the fresh foliage
They promised each other that they would meet again
As Kiyohime awaited his return, her arduous yearning for the monk intensified with every day
But the monk never appeared
Kiyohime learned that he had avoided her by taking another route
Yet the monk drove her away and vanished
It scattered her love, flowers, and tears
Cornering him at last
To another realm
Also, during EC please come along to see the “Kiyohime on Sado Island” Chieko Kojima × Maiko Miyagawa Photo Exhibiton. It will be held at Hiyoriyama, a cozy cafe on the main shopping street in Ogi. We hope you will enjoy this portrayal of Kiyohime‘s journey through the changing seasons on Sado Island.
Details: http://www.kodo.or.jp/ec/en/event/others/kiyohime/
Chieko Kojima “Yukiai–Kiyohime”
http://www.kodo.or.jp/ec/en/event/ectheatre/yukiahi/
“EC Theatre ‘Wadaiko Theatre Fujimotomida 2015’ Rehearsals on Sado” by Minako Goto
Kazuaki Tomida has arrived on Sado to begin rehearsing for his performance with Yoshikazu Fujimoto at EC Theatre next month.
Upon his arrival, he began creating some items to use to decorate the theater. After discussing what elements to include, Yoshikazu Fujimoto first drew a picture and Tomida then wrote the text. The completed curtain will greet their audience on the day of the performance.
“Fujimotomida” made its debut performance last year at Tiara Koto in Tokyo. During their practice, it’s hard for me to tell where their discussion time ends and their performance practise begins…
Their earnestness is impenetrable as they rehearse. Their rehearsals are extremely serious.
Mr. Tomida says that he has chosen his favorite “Yoshikazu pieces” for this performance. With one month to the performance date, the artists are holding on to every discovery they make.
Follow Kazuaki Tomida’s blog here for more about this rehearsal: (in Japanese)
http://uchigumi.blogspot.jp/2015/07/2015.html
Tickets are on sale now!
If advanced tickets sell out, there will be no tickets available on the day of the performance, so don’t delay! Reserve your seat today!
Details: http://www.kodo.or.jp/ec/en/event/ectheatre/fujimoto/
Right into Rehearsals for EC Theatre “Kodo Dai Ginjo: Seasoned Quintet”!
“Kodo Dai Ginjo: Seasoned Quintet,” a new programme that will take the stage at EC Theatre, has started to take shape, little by a little.
Here you can see the performers sitting face-to-face in a circle as they create a new piece to debut at EC Theatre on Aug. 24.
Yoshie Abe will return to the stage to join the cast of male power-hitters & veterans for this performance. The sounds of taiko, shamisen, and shinobue (bamboo flute) will entwine and fill the hall with an array of sounds.
They have prepared some unique stage props for this performance, too, so please come along and see!
We really hope to see you there!
EC Theatre | Kodo Dai Ginjo “Seasoned Quintet” http://www.kodo.or.jp/ec/en/eventinfo/ectheatre/
Yoshie Abe to Appear in EC Theatre & Special Fringe Performances
Yoshie Abe to Appear in EC Theatre & Special Fringe Performances
Yoshie Abe (née Sunahata) is working as a Kodo staff member while raising her daughter, but on Day 3 of Earth Celebration 2014 she will return to the stage to sing in EC Theatre’s “Kodo Dai Ginjo: Seasoned Quintet” and in Special Fringe event “Yoi no Yunzuru.” We look forward to presenting her beautiful voice in these feel-good programmes. If you’re one of Yoshie’s fans, don’t miss your chance to see her perform again live!
Message from Yoshie Abe
Hello, everyone! Long time, no see!
I am really looking forward to the opportunity to perform at EC Theatre in “Kodo Dai Ginjo: Seasoned Quintet”!
The songs I will sing are still a secret, but I can tell you that I will be playing an upright harp for the first time. The artistic direction by Yuichiro Funabashi is taking a somewhat refined path, but it is couple with unique ideas and will create a truly unique atmosphere.
Without a doubt, it’s going to be an interesting performance! By all means, please come and share this special time with us.
EC Theatre | Kodo Dai Ginjo “Seasoned Quintet” http://www.kodo.or.jp/ec/en/eventinfo/ectheatre/